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CHAPTER IV.
FROM THE FORMATION OF PITT'S FIRST ADMINISTRATION TO THE ACT OF UNION WITH IRELAND (1784–1800).
The accession of Pitt to the supreme power in 1784, marks an era in English political and party history rather from the possibilities which it involved, and which were developed by unforeseen circumstances, than from any actual change of policy which could be seen and appreciated by the people at the time. The minister, who ended as the most bitter opponent not only of popular rights, but even of freedom of thought and speech, began as a decided if not an enthusiastic Parliamentary reformer. He commenced his rule as a financial reformer, desirous above all things to reduce the national debt, which he ended by nearly quadrupling. There was at the outset, therefore, no reason why the Liberal feeling should have been alarmed at the power of the new minister. He had been in close correspondence, if not in alliance, with Wilkes, Sawbridge, Barré, and other Radicals; and his severance from Fox was naturally regarded with the less dislike because the coalition with North had for a time destroyed the popularity of the great orator. The true character and power of Fox were indeed hidden and obscured; but the events which kept him from power restored him to greatness. He was by instinct and sympathy the champion of causes which could not gain immediate victories, but which he watched and guarded and kept alive in times of darkness and danger. He had himself seen where his true place in political life was, and the work which he was best qualified to
